BrainStuff Season 6 Episode 7 Do Crosswalk and 'Close Door' Buttons Really Do Anything?

In season 6 episode 7 of BrainStuff, the show tackles two of the most common buttons people encounter on a daily basis - the crosswalk button and the 'close door' button in elevators. Host Jonathan Strickland explores the question of whether these buttons actually do anything, or if they are just there to give people a sense of control.

To investigate the crosswalk button, Strickland first explains how they work. In most cases, pushing the button triggers a traffic signal to change to give pedestrians the right of way. However, he notes that in some cities, particularly older ones, the crosswalk buttons may not be connected to anything at all. To determine whether the buttons in his city actually work, Strickland enlists the help of a local traffic engineer. Together, they conduct several experiments where they time how long it takes for the pedestrian signal to change both when the button is pushed and when it is not.

Their results are mixed. For some intersections, the button does seem to make a difference in how long pedestrians have to wait for the signal to change. However, in other cases, the signal changes at the same time regardless of whether the button is pushed or not. Strickland explains that in some cases, the buttons may only be programmed to work during certain times of the day, such as during rush hour. He also notes that some buttons may be more sensitive and respond to a simple touch rather than a firm push.

Moving on to the 'close door' button on elevators, Strickland explains that these buttons are typically there for emergency responders or maintenance workers. However, he notes that in some cases, the buttons actually do work for regular users. To test this, Strickland first observes that when someone presses the 'close door' button immediately after someone else has pressed the 'open door' button, the 'close door' button does not work. However, if there is a delay between the two actions, the 'close door' button does seem to have an effect.

Strickland notes that this delay is due to a safety feature that prevents the doors from closing on someone who is still trying to get onto the elevator. He also notes that some elevators have a 'bypass' feature that allows certain users, such as firefighters, to override this safety feature. However, Strickland cautions against abusing these features, as doing so can be dangerous and may even result in a fine.

Throughout the episode, Strickland provides interesting historical and cultural context for both buttons. For example, he notes that the first recorded use of a crosswalk button was in 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also explains that the first elevator with a 'close door' button was installed at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the 1930s. These tidbits add depth and interest to the episode, making it both informative and entertaining.

Overall, BrainStuff season 6 episode 7 is a fascinating exploration of two common buttons that many people encounter every day. Through experimentation and research, Strickland provides valuable insights into how these buttons work and what purpose they serve. Whether you're a curious pedestrian or frequent elevator user, this episode is sure to provide some helpful and interesting information.